Family Day, celebrated on February 17, 2025, resonates across Canada, bringing families together for countless activities, but it also means businesses and public services will have varying hours of operation. Families and individuals should prepare for holiday adjustments as many establishments opt for closures or modified hours.
Across Ontario, for example, the Family Day weekend brings significant changes. Major shopping centers like Eaton Centre will be open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, offering families a chance to shop together. Other centers such as CF Markville and Hillcrest Mall will operate from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Meanwhile, the well-liked Toronto Premium Outlets will be open even longer, from 9:30 AM until 7:00 PM.
On the culinary front, grocery stores and specialized markets will partly remain open. Areas like Rabba, Summerhill Market, and Eataly will welcome customers throughout the day. Some tourist attractions are also unimpeded by the holiday, with the AGO, Toronto Zoo, and Ripley’s Aquarium all maintaining normal schedules, ensuring families have entertainment options.
Nonetheless, residents should be aware of numerous closures. Banks, libraries, and many restaurants will shutter their doors for Family Day, posing challenges for those hoping to dine out or handle financial transactions. Non-emergency city services, like municipal services and city halls, will also be unavailable on this day.
Transit services will adapt as well; the TTC will follow its holiday schedule, whereas GO Transit will modify its service to run on Saturday timetables. Despite these changes, garbage collection remains unaffected.
Niagara Falls and surrounding regions present another unique scenario on Family Day where many shopping centers remain open, taking advantage of their designation as tourist areas. Locations like Canada One and the Outlet Collection at Niagara will be available to locals and visitors, alongside numerous wineries and breweries.
Similar to other locations, government buildings—including the local city halls and LCBOs—will be closed, and garbage collection schedules will shift, pushing collection back by one day.
On the New Brunswick front, February 17 brings its own mix of closures and activities as most retailers close for Family Day. Notably, Walmart and Sobeys will not operate, leaving shoppers needing essentials with fewer options. Although many public libraries across the province will close their doors, municipalities will host various outdoor activities for residents to enjoy.
Events at Moncton’s PolarFest and community-centric activities across New Brunswick will offer delightful experiences such as skating trails, music, and various winter-themed festivities. Local attractions such as the Beaverbrook Art Gallery will provide craft activities, engaging families seeking creative outlets.
Looking at the Sault Ste. Marie area, grocery stores will predominantly be closed for the day, with exceptions among some local drug stores maintaining modified hours. Residents can expect local public services and facilities to shut down as well, with garbage collection postponed for one day.
Brampton, Ontario, markets local recreational activities for its residents, with facilities open over the holiday weekend. The city’s popular winter festivity at Chinguacousy Park will attract families with lively activities from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Family Day. Brampton Transit will operate on holiday schedules for commuter convenience; most public libraries will not operate, shifting the focus to recreational parks.
Oakville has prepared for Family Day, with most public facilities closed including town hall and libraries, with exceptions noted for two branches. ServiceOakville remains available for reporting issues, though operational adjustments are expected within the transit schedule and with local shopping centers.
Finally, similar arrangements manifest across the broader region with city officials outlining closures—municipal buildings, banks, and libraries remain closed on Family Day. Individuals should remain vigilant on local announcements to avoid unplanned inconveniences.
The Family Day holiday promises to be filled with opportunities for gathering and celebration, though with careful attention to what remains open and what has closed for many communities, families can plan their outings effectively.